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Read starts as Crusaders change five

Date published: June 11 2015

The Crusaders welcome skipper Kieran Read back into their starting XV for Saturday's last-round Super Rugby clash with the Brumbies in Canberra.

The All Black number eight returns from a two-match concussion-enforced break to lead the Crusaders in their final match of the season in a starting line-up that shows five changes from the team that beat the Blues 34-11 last Saturday.

Read's return sees Jordan Taufua move to the bench. Sam Whitelock also returns to the starting line-up this week after coming off the bench against the Blues. Jimmy Tupou takes his place in the reserves.

Andy Ellis will be the starting scrum-half and Billy Guyton may get to make his Crusaders debut if he comes off the bench.

Ryan Crotty will start at outside centre in place of the injured Robbie Fruean and Jone Macilai returns to the right wing.

Colin Slade has recovered from his quadriceps injury to take a spot on the bench and he’ll be joined by Nafi Tuitavake as backline cover.

The Crusaders' play-off hopes are over but the Brumbies are scrapping with the Waratahs for the top spot in the Australian conference.